UFC Fight Night odds – Lauzon out to prove he’s still a contender
UFC Fight Night odds: Joe Lauzon looks to climb back up the lightweight ladder
WHO: Joe Lauzon (16-4) vs Jeremy Stephens (16-3)
WHAT: UFC Fight Night betting
WHEN: Saturday, February 7 at 9:00 p.m. ET
PICK: Lauzon
UFC Fight Night betting may not offer the big MMA names that get online sports betting fans fired up, but no one should complain; after all, Fight Nights air for free on Spike TV, and Saturday’s card is no exception. Besides, the event features some interesting up-and-comers in the lightweight division, including Joe Lauzon and Jeremy Stephens.
Lauzon vs Stephens odds
The main event was supposed to feature Lauzon and Hermes Franca, but Stephens jumped in on short notice after Franca went down to an injury. The lightweight battle features two fighters at different stages of their careers.
Sportsbook odds favor Lauzon, and for good reason. The former “Ultimate Fighter” contestant burst on the scene with a knockout of former champ Jens Pulver a few years ago and has since impressed with several submission victories. He had his bubble burst when he was knocked out by Kenny Florian, who was clearly the more mature fighter, last April. Lauzon bounced back by knocking out Kyle Bradley at a Fight Night in September.
Lauzon faces heavy-handed newcomer Stephens, who is fairly new to the UFC and wowed fight fans with a vicious KO over Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 91. He’ll try to catch Lauzon and hand him the same fate.
While Stephens appears to have a bright future, Lauzon may be his most versatile opponent yet. He’ll be tested on the ground like never before. Look for Lauzon to let Stephens punch himself out for a round and capitalize with a submission later in the fight.
JACK’S PICK: Both fighters are young, but Lauzon has taken his lumps. He rose near the top of the lightweight division only to have Florian deliver a wakeup call. Now, it’s time for the promising Stephens to take his first step back, even though he won’t stay down for long. Bet on the more experienced Lauzon, who is better equipped to fight someone on short notice than Stephens is.
Other UFC Fight Night lines
Rob Emerson (10-6-1) vs Kurt Pellegrino (18-4): Pellegrino has faced tougher competition. Go with the more seasoned fighter here.
Josh Neer (24-7-1) vs Mac Danzig (19-5-1): This one could go either way, but I give the advantage to Neer because of his superior finishing ability. Danzig hasn’t fought many power punchers and may get caught off guard here.
